Marshals may still live in the Yellowstone universe, but it’s making it clear it doesn’t want to be defined by it. Former Yellowstone star Luke Grimes is set to reprise his role as Kayce Dutton in the upcoming CBS spinoff, and ahead of the show’s March premiere, he’s now explained why the series quietly dropped the “Y” from its original working title, Y: Marshals.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Grimes said the decision ultimately came down to perception — and making sure audiences understood the show’s identity without leaning too hard on the branding.

“I think they just wanted to make sure people knew it was a Yellowstone world, Taylor Sheridan world kind of a show. It’s clear once you see Kayce that it is that, so I think we can drop the Y now.”

According to reports, CBS confirmed on January 7 that Y: Marshals was always intended as a working title and was never locked in. A network representative added that the “Y” was “always considered silent,” and while it remains part of the logo design, it no longer appears in the official title. In short: the name change was planned all along.

Marshals follows Kayce Dutton as he leaves the Dutton Ranch behind and takes on a new role as a U.S. Marshal in Montana. While the character’s law enforcement background was always part of his Yellowstone arc, the new series positions Kayce at a crossroads, trying to carve out a future separate from his family’s legacy.

Early speculation suggested the title change might be tied to behind-the-scenes business politics — especially since Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has signed a new deal with CBS while Paramount still controls the Yellowstone brand. CBS denied any such connection, insisting the decision had nothing to do with network tensions.

Who Stars in Marshals?

Grimes returns as Kayce Dutton, with several familiar Yellowstone faces joining him. Brecken Merrill reprises his role as Tate Dutton, while Gil Birmingham and Mo Brings Plenty return as Thomas Rainwater and Mo, respectively. One notable absence is Kelsey Asbille, who played Monica Dutton on Yellowstone. She has not appeared in trailers or promotional materials, and her involvement in the series remains unclear.

Marshals premieres on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 8 PM ET on CBS. Episodes will be available to stream on Paramount+ after their broadcast airing.